‘Marcus Rashford is absolutely ridiculous’ – Group chat message revealed as Aston Villa youngsters left stunned by on-loan Man Utd superstar

Villa youngster Cole Brannigan is working through the age-group teams and has trained with the seniors. Brannigan was so impressed by Rashford that he texted his family group chat raving about his performance.

Rashford has made a fast start to life at Villa, most recently setting up Marco Asensio's opener in the 2-0 FA Cup fifth round victory over Cardiff. The forward also assisted Asensio twice in last week's 2-1 win over Chelsea.

Brannigan told News Letter: "We played them and he [Rashford] trained. He's by far the best player I've seen technically with the ball, he was absolutely ridiculous. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. We have a family group chat and I just put in 'Marcus Rashford is absolutely ridiculous'. Having Marcus Rashford at the club, he's someone for me to look up to. The club do a good job in asking those players questions so you try and use that to improve your own game."

Rashford will be hoping to score his first Villa goal since completing a loan move from Manchester United when they take on Club Brugge in the Champions League last 16 first leg on Tuesday.